Musician launching work on social media, how to prepare legally?

[Make_it_make_senseplease]

Hi, I am an artist/musician just learning now about the legal aspect of self-promotion and content creation. I will be posting pieces of my music tracks, with video, to all relevant social media such as YT shorts and Tiktok. A lot of the tracks are not complete but I hope to create hype and start building an audience as I move forward completing the album, which I intend to sell on Bandcamp. What should I do now to start protecting my content/myself... and what comes next as I complete the album and build the brand? Thanks for any advice!

 

[adjusterjack]

You can obtain all that information on the US Copyright Office's website.

U.S. Copyright Office | U.S. Copyright Office

Study up.

Best wishes for a successful endeavor.

 

[quincy]

Hi, I am an artist/musician just learning now about the legal aspect of self-promotion and content creation. I will be posting pieces of my music tracks, with video, to all relevant social media such as YT shorts and Tiktok. A lot of the tracks are not complete but I hope to create hype and start building an audience as I move forward completing the album, which I intend to sell on Bandcamp. What should I do now to start protecting my content/myself... and what comes next as I complete the album and build the brand? Thanks for any advice!

Are you in the U.S? If so, what is the name of your state?

Registering your copyrights would be a smart first step before publishing your work.

Here is a link to the U.S. Copyright Office’s information on musical works, including information on the Music Modernization Act (2021) and the Mechanical Licensing Collective:

https://www.copyright.gov/engage/musicians/

 

[zddoodah]

Your questions are incredibly broad and vague. I agree that you should educate yourself about the basics of copyright law. Once you have acquired some basic knowledge, you might have specific questions or want clarification. Once that happens, it might be a good idea to post here again.

 

[quincy]

Make_it_make_senseplease, what I found helpful when I was starting out was to seek others who had been there/done that - and joining professional organizations is one good way to find these kindred spirits. Many will be happy to work with you to navigate some of the challenges you can face as a new artist trying to introduce yourself to the world.

Below is a link to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) which includes links to other music-related associations and organizations. Joining most are easy to do and the contacts you make can be invaluable.

https://www.riaa.com/about-riaa/music-orgs/